“Demonstrating Innovation: MQ-9B SeaGuardian Showcases Advanced Sonobuoy Deployment Technology”
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), in partnership with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), executed a series of evaluations on GA-ASI’s Sonobuoy Dispensing System (SDS) utilizing the MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) at the U.S. Navy’s W-291 testing range in southern California.
GA-ASI’s SeaGuardian conducted the complete test flight activity equipped with the SDS pod and SeaVue multi-role radar developed by Raytheon, an RTX enterprise. During the evaluation, the SDS pod released eight AN/SSQ-53 and two AN/SSQ-62 sonobuoys. Upon deployment, the sonobuoys were efficiently monitored by the SeaGuardian’s integrated Sonobuoy Monitoring and Control System (SMCS).
“This was a highly effective showcase of our SDS functionality,” remarked GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “The demonstration enabled us to validate the SDS, which is a crucial element for our Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities.”
The SeaGuardian was operated under a NAVAIR Interim Flight Clearance. The SDS pod incorporates a sophisticated pneumatic ejection system that was developed, designed, and produced by AEREA in Italy. AEREA also provides the internal structural assembly.
MQ-9B SeaGuardian is a medium-altitude, long-endurance RPA system. Its versatile abilities facilitate transitions between various missions. SeaGuardian has been deployed by the U.S. in several recent showcases, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail. The aircraft is currently in operation with the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
